Perched on Corfu’s exclusive Kommeno Peninsula, Corfu Imperial Grecotel Exclusive Resort is one of the island’s most polished five star escapes. With its private coves, marble colonnades and sweeping sea views, it aims squarely at guests who want a glam Mediterranean resort with serious service and a strong sense of place.
Location & First Impressions
Corfu Imperial occupies a privileged position at the far end of the Kommeno Peninsula, a quiet, upscale enclave about 12 kilometers from Corfu Town. The resort is almost completely surrounded by water, with wooded slopes dropping into little coves and jetties. Arriving along the peninsula road feels like entering a protected bubble, away from the island’s busier resort strips yet still close enough for easy excursions to the UNESCO listed Old Town and central sights.
The hotel’s main building is set high above the sea, with terraces, stairways and pathways leading down through gardens to the beach coves and villas. First impressions are decidedly grand: polished marble, classical columns and panoramic windows framing the Ionian Sea. It feels more like a private estate than a conventional beach hotel, especially if you arrive in the evening when the promenade and pools are softly lit.
Despite the scale of the property, the atmosphere is refined rather than flashy. The guest mix skews toward well traveled Europeans and North Americans, with a blend of couples, multigenerational families and some honeymooners. The overall tone is quiet and polished, with entertainment and live music available but not dominating the experience.
For many guests, one of the biggest location perks is the sense of separation without isolation. The resort’s shuttle to Corfu Town, boat transfers between sister Grecotel properties on the peninsula in season and the relative proximity to the airport mean you can combine resort comfort with easy independent exploring.
Accommodation: Rooms, Bungalows & Villas
Accommodation is a key strength at Corfu Imperial. The resort offers a broad spectrum of options that range from entry level sea view rooms to ultra luxurious waterfront villas and penthouse family suites. Even the most basic categories aim for a sense of understated glamor rather than generic resort styling.
In the main Imperial Building, standard Deluxe and Panoramic guestrooms hover around 32 square meters and all face the sea. Décor is classic Mediterranean hotel style in ivory and beige, with marble bathrooms, high quality linens and balconies or terraces that capitalize on the views. Recent additions at the top of the building include penthouse suites and family suites that add more space, separate living areas and better sightlines over the peninsula.
For guests who prefer a more residential feel, the bungalows and garden collection suites scattered through the pine and olive groves are a standout. Many are designed with families in mind, offering open plan layouts or separate sleeping areas along with small terraces. Some newer bungalows have access to sharing pools just outside the door, giving a semi private pool experience without the full villa price tag.
The real showpieces, however, are the villas lining the waterfront. These range from smaller one and two bedroom options to the palatial Peninsula and Medusa Estate villas with private pools, direct sea access and lavish indoor and outdoor living spaces. They appeal to privacy focused couples, extended families and small groups who want the feel of a private home with hotel level services such as butler style attention, boat moorings and elevated in villa dining.
Dining, Bars & All Inclusive Options
Food and drink are an important part of the Corfu Imperial experience. The resort positions itself as a fine dining hub, with a collection of restaurants and bars that make strong use of the seafront setting. The main restaurant serves breakfast and buffet style meals, but much of the culinary personality comes through the à la carte venues and the broader Dine Club half board program.
The Dine Club is effectively an upgraded half board concept that gives guests the flexibility to dine around select Grecotel restaurants across the Kommeno resorts. It typically includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner, a credit allowance when dining in participating à la carte venues and, for stays of around a week, a couple of complimentary à la carte dinners. For families, a major advantage is that children up to 12 years usually dine for free within the program, with access to dedicated kids’ menus and snacks throughout the day.
On property, options may include a French influenced fine dining restaurant, a casual Italian trattoria and a signature seafood restaurant set right by the water, along with a promenade of more relaxed eateries and bars where you can stroll for gelato, cocktails or a light bite. The sea level Yali style venues in particular shine in good weather, combining views of the bay with grilled fish and local specialties.
Bar choices cover several moods: a lobby bar with terrace for pre dinner cocktails, a pool bar for daytime drinks and snacks, and an evening terrace bar that pairs live music with sunset views. There is also in room dining for guests who prefer to dine privately on their balcony or terrace. Overall food quality is typically rated highly by guests, especially in the à la carte restaurants, though those used to small boutique hotels may find the main buffet restaurant more functional than atmospheric at peak times.
Beaches, Pools & On Site Facilities
The peninsula setting allows Corfu Imperial to offer multiple small beaches rather than one long continuous stretch of sand. Several coves with loungers, umbrellas and gently shelving water are carved into the shoreline, giving a feeling of semi private pocket beaches framed by rocks and trees. The sand is generally light and imported, with clear, calm water that is safe and appealing for swimming.
For many guests the highlight is relaxing by the main seafront pool, which is surrounded by manicured gardens, palms and shaded loungers. Additional pools include options closer to the main building and smaller sharing pools that belong to specific bungalow clusters. Service around the pools and beaches is attentive, with staff circulating to take drink and snack orders and to help set up loungers.
Beyond the water’s edge, the resort layers on a full roster of leisure facilities. A well equipped fitness center, tennis court, water sports center and pathways for jogging or leisurely walks along the peninsula provide plenty of ways to stay active. The on site spa offers a menu of massages and beauty treatments, along with indoor relaxation areas that feel particularly welcome on rare cloudy days or in shoulder season.
Families will find additional activity options such as table tennis, organized games and, in high season, a schedule of daytime and evening entertainment. The overall approach strikes a balance between a laid back luxury resort and a full scale activity complex, giving guests the option to dip into structured fun without turning the stay into a nonstop program.
Family Friendliness & Kids’ Programs
Although the branding and pricing clearly position Corfu Imperial as a high end resort, it is also genuinely family friendly. The dedicated Grecoland kids’ club caters to children roughly between ages 4 and 12, with creative activities, games, themed days and supervised play that go beyond basic coloring tables. There are also programs and spaces geared to teens in busier periods, along with baby and toddler support through the GrecoBaby concept.
Parents with young children can pre order baby equipment such as cots, bed rails, strollers and bottle warmers, which significantly reduces the packing load. Babysitting can be arranged for an additional charge, useful for couples who want at least one adults only dinner in the fine dining venues. Around the resort, kid centric features like shallow zones in the pools, safe beach access and flexible meal times help smooth out the logistics of a family holiday.
The Dine Club and Kids Go Free policies make a noticeable financial difference for families. In many cases, children up to 12 stay in their parents’ room at no extra charge in selected categories and enjoy complimentary kids’ buffets, snacks, soft drinks and use of the kids’ club. That makes the total cost more predictable and can offset the higher nightly room rate compared with simpler resorts.
Families should be aware, though, that Corfu Imperial is not a loud waterpark style all inclusive destination. While there are nearby attractions such as external waterparks and organized excursions, the atmosphere on site retains a refined edge. Children are welcomed and well catered for, but families looking for constant high energy animation and slides directly at the hotel might prefer a different style of property within the Grecotel portfolio.
Service, Atmosphere & Overall Experience
Service standards at Corfu Imperial are one of the primary reasons many guests return annually. Staff are generally described as polished and warm, with strong English skills and an ability to anticipate needs, especially in the higher category suites and villas where more personalized attention is part of the offering. Details such as twice daily housekeeping, turndown service, WhatsApp concierge contact and thoughtful touches for children contribute to a sense of being looked after.
The atmosphere blends elements of classic grand hotel formality with laid back island living. During the day, the resort feels calm and airy, with guests drifting between beaches, pools, the promenade and shaded corners of the gardens. In the evenings, the focus shifts to aperitifs on the terraces, piano or live music and leisurely dinners that often stretch late into the night when the weather cooperates.
Because of its layout and size, the property can absorb a significant number of guests without feeling cramped, though some public areas such as the main breakfast buffet can become busy in peak summer. Those seeking more seclusion can usually find it by gravitating toward the smaller coves, villa area or quieter corners of the gardens. Noise levels are generally low after midnight, respecting the many families and couples who prioritize rest.
Overall, the experience is best described as resort style luxury with an emphasis on scenery, stability and comfort rather than cutting edge design or nightlife. Guests who appreciate a classic Mediterranean grand resort aesthetic with modern updates tend to be the most satisfied here.
Pros, Cons & Value for Money
Corfu Imperial’s biggest strengths start with its location. Very few properties in Corfu can match the drama of a private peninsula lined with beaches and villas looking straight across the water toward Corfu Town and the mainland. The combination of seclusion, sea views and easy access to the island’s cultural heart is genuinely hard to beat.
The range and quality of accommodation is another major plus. From well appointed entry level sea view rooms to opulent villas with private pools and direct sea access, there is a wide ladder of options. Families benefit from purpose designed bungalows and suites that balance privacy with proximity to facilities, while couples can opt for more romantic layouts and premium locations at the water’s edge or on the top floors.
On the downside, prices are unquestionably high in peak season, especially for the most desirable room types and villas. Guests should factor in the cost of optional extras, premium drinks and off program restaurant choices if not on an inclusive dining plan. Those looking primarily for a budget friendly beach break will likely find better value at simpler properties elsewhere on the island.
Another potential drawback is that guests seeking a boutique, ultra personalized experience at a very small property may feel the scale of Corfu Imperial. While service is attentive, this is still a sizable resort with multiple buildings, restaurants and pools. In the busiest school holiday weeks, common areas can feel fuller, and guests looking for total quiet might prefer shoulder season months such as May, early June, late September or October.
Who Corfu Imperial Is Best For
Corfu Imperial is particularly well suited to couples and families who want a high end Mediterranean resort with a strong sense of place and plenty of on site conveniences. Honeymooners and romantic travelers who prioritize views, sunsets, seafront dining and long days by the water will find the peninsula setting and villa options especially attractive.
Multigenerational families are another core audience. The variety of accommodation types makes it relatively easy to house grandparents, parents and children in configurations that balance staying together with having enough personal space. The kids’ programs, family friendly pools and free dining options for younger guests help keep ages four to twelve engaged while adults enjoy more gourmet and wellness focused experiences.
Seasoned travelers who value stability, polished infrastructure and familiar luxury brand standards over novelty will likely appreciate the resort’s approach. The combination of classic architecture, updated suites, consistent service and partnerships with sister properties in the area make it appealing for repeat visits and longer stays.
By contrast, solo travelers seeking a social, hostel like vibe or nightlife focused groups intent on clubbing in Corfu Town every night may find the resort’s genteel style a mismatch. Likewise, minimalists who rarely use resort facilities and plan to spend most of their time exploring the island independently might consider a smaller base closer to town for better value.
The Takeaway
Corfu Imperial Grecotel Exclusive Resort delivers a thoroughly polished interpretation of Corfiot seaside luxury. Its commanding peninsula location, well considered accommodation mix and generous family policies set it apart from many competitors on the island. Add in flexible dining concepts that reward longer stays, attractive pools and pocket beaches, and a quietly efficient service culture, and it becomes clear why the property attracts a high proportion of repeat guests.
It is not the least expensive option on Corfu, nor the most intimate, and travelers seeking edgy design or a party heavy atmosphere will be better served elsewhere. Yet for couples and families willing to invest in a refined, scenery rich base that feels both secure and indulgent, Corfu Imperial makes a compelling case. Choose it if you want to wake up every morning to sweeping Ionian views, spend your days drifting between coves and terraces, and end your evenings with good food, live music and the lights of Corfu Town twinkling in the distance.
FAQ
Q1: Is Corfu Imperial Grecotel Exclusive Resort all inclusive?
Corfu Imperial is not exclusively an all inclusive resort, but it offers enhanced half board and dining concepts such as the Dine Club, which includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner, credits at selected à la carte restaurants and free dining options for children. Availability of full all inclusive style packages may vary by season and market, so it is worth confirming the exact inclusions when you book.
Q2: How far is the resort from Corfu Town and the airport?
The resort sits on the Kommeno Peninsula, roughly 12 kilometers from Corfu Town and a similar distance from Corfu International Airport. By car or taxi, the journey usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The hotel typically operates a shuttle service to Corfu Town several times a day, which makes sightseeing and evening visits easy without renting a car.
Q3: Is the resort suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Corfu Imperial is very family friendly despite its luxury positioning. There is a well organized kids’ club, kids’ pools and shallow areas, baby and toddler equipment available on request, and attractive Kids Go Free policies that cover accommodation in selected room types and meals in many cases. Families looking for both comfort and kid specific programming will find it a strong option.
Q4: What are the beaches like at Corfu Imperial?
Rather than one long stretch of sand, the resort offers several small coves carved into the peninsula, with light sand or fine gravel, clear water and gentle slopes into the sea. Each cove is serviced with loungers, umbrellas and beach towels, and many guests appreciate the semi private, sheltered feel even if the beaches are not naturally wide.
Q5: Do all rooms have sea views?
Most rooms in the main building and many suites offer sea views, which is one of the resort’s signatures. Some garden bungalows and family accommodations may have garden or partial sea views instead. When booking, it is worth checking the exact view type of your chosen category, especially if uninterrupted sea vistas are a priority.
Q6: Is a car necessary when staying at Corfu Imperial?
A car is not strictly necessary, especially if you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the resort. The hotel offers shuttle services to Corfu Town and can arrange taxis and excursions. However, guests who want to explore beaches and villages across the island at their own pace will find a rental car convenient and cost effective over several days.
Q7: What is the dress code for the restaurants?
The general expectation is smart casual. During the day, resort wear is fine in casual dining spots, but in the evening long trousers or tailored shorts for men and elegant summer dresses or similar attire for women are appropriate for the main and à la carte restaurants. Beachwear and wet clothing are not accepted in indoor restaurants at dinner.
Q8: When is the best time of year to stay at Corfu Imperial?
The resort typically operates from spring through late autumn. June to early September brings the warmest weather and the most vibrant atmosphere, along with the highest prices and busiest public spaces. May, early June, late September and October often offer a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and more attractive rates, especially for couples and travelers focused on relaxation and exploration rather than school holiday schedules.
Q9: Are there activities for teenagers and older kids?
Yes, during the busier months there are sports, water sports, organized games and teen focused activities that go beyond the standard kids’ club offerings. Teenagers can make use of the tennis courts, water sports center and other facilities, and they often enjoy the relative independence of exploring the promenade, pools and beaches within the safe boundaries of the resort.
Q10: Who will enjoy Corfu Imperial the most?
The resort is best suited to couples, honeymooners and families who value classic seaside luxury, strong service, a stunning natural setting and a good balance between resort amenities and cultural access to Corfu Town. Travelers seeking a budget break or a party heavy environment may find it less aligned with their expectations, while those looking for quietly indulgent Mediterranean days and polished comforts are likely to be very satisfied.